The Ontarion January 16th 2013 170.2

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T h e Un ive r s i t y o f Gu e l ph ’ s I n d ep en d en t Stu d en t New sp ap er

170.2 ◆ t h ur s day, ja n ua ry 1 7 th, 2 0 1 3 ◆ ww w.the onta rion .com

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Tying agricultural and environment issues together Director of the World Climate Research Program speaks at Guelph Emma Wilson On Jan. 9, the University of Guelph was given the opportunity of hosting a talk led by Ghassam Asrar, Director of the World Climate Research Program in Geneva, Switzerland.

The talk, entitled, “Climate and Agriculture: Risks and Opportunities,” explored the significance of agriculture and food security in a world that is growing in population, and that will be undergoing many climactic changes in the future.

Asrar spoke of a phenomenon called the temperature anomaly, which compares current temperatures with historical records.

Normally, periods of warming are balanced by cooler years, however in the last few decades, unprecedented warming periods have not been accompanied by adequate cooling, says Asrar.

According to the researcher,

agriculture is the most climate-dependent economic sector, and it is also intensely connected to other economic sectors. Extreme climate events can lead to crop failure, food insecurity, soil erosion, frequent forest fires, and more pathogens and diseases.

“The implications of climate change will vary in different parts of the world,” noted Asrar. Some of the worst-case scenarios of declines in agricultural productivity could include mass migrations, famine, and decreased food security.

To determine how to respond, Asrar stated that, “solution-oriented sciences and collaboration among researchers of many disciplines are required. Research conclusions also need to be more readily adopted and applied to climate challenges.” vanessa tignanelli “The bottom line is that we need to reduce our vulnerability to cli- Ghassam Asrar speaks about the relationship between climate and agriculture. mate change,” continued the speaker. According to Asrar, this seasonal and inter-annual climate realms of discourse in Canada and was a popular cause among many requires integrating preparedness forecasting – not just forecasting has been mostly carried along in Canadians, it appears that the ento manage the impacts of climate based on days and weeks. the sciences. And while a few years vironmental conversation has variability with agricultural planFurthermore, in the last few ago, being green was a predominant disappeared from most workplaces, ning and operations. For instance, years, some have noticed that the interest, and the same environ- schools, homes, and even parts of one easy solution the researcher “climate change problem” has mentalism heralded at the upper government. ...se e c li mate pag e 3 suggested would be to develop largely disappeared from common levels of Canadian government

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Bus cancellations confuse situation Kelsey Coughlin As a result of the Ontario Labour Relations Board decision, the elementary school teachers’ day of protest, which planned to close schools on Jan. 11, was deemed illegal.

The day of protest planned to protect and promote the rights of teachers all over Ontario, but was determined illegal in the early morning of Jan. 11. The ruling came from the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the decision was met with mixed reactions. Teachers who are part of the Upper Grand District School Board were prepared to stage a walkout to protest Bill 115 – a bill

gaining the reputation of impeding on the rights of teachers all over the province.

More specifically, Bill 115, otherwise known as the Putting Students First Act, has been under scrutiny since it first came to public awareness in late 2012. Among the main points of Bill 115, all teachers are subjected to a twoyear pay freeze, a reduction of ...se e wa lkou t pag e 3

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

news

Spare some hair Cuts for Cancer event in Guelph aims to help Childhood Cancer foundation Olivia Zollino Childhood is often a time where children are free to be themselves.

However, for children living with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, losing their hair is just another aspect they struggle to cope with.

With one ponytail at a time, Cuts for Cancer hopes to change this.

Currently a graduate student at the University of Guelph, Lisa Kellenberger was inspired when cutting her hair with a group of friends during her undergraduate years. After transferring to Guelph, she took matters into her own hands once she found no events

. . . cl imat e con t i n ue d In the wake of October’s Bill C-45, which makes changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act to reduce Canada’s protected rivers and lakes, many protests such as the Idle No More movement have arisen. These movements

... wal kou t con ti n ue d annual sick days from 20 to 10, and a limitation on the legality of teachers’ unions and support staff going on strike.

Dalton McGuinty was on record saying that teachers’ unions that want to protest the wage freeze bill, which limits their collective bargaining rights, are welcome to do so outside school hours, but ultimately the fight against Bill 115 belongs in the courts, not the classroom.

Teachers have reacted to this bill in a variety of ways, including provincewide walkouts and the cancellation of

available for donating hair to cancer patients. As a result, Cuts for Cancer in Guelph was created.

The non-profit organization works with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a childhood cancer charity who is also partnered with Childhood Cancer Canada. Cuts for Cancer’s mission is to bring awareness to their cause, raise funds for research, and collect ponytails for wigs.

“Kids cancers are really underfunded, in comparison to adult cancers,” said Kellenberger, remarking on how expensive research can be. She added, “I understand the amount of money needed for research, so I appreciate when people go through the effort to ask friends and family for support to fundraise for this cause.”

On Jan. 26, the fourth annual haircutting event will be taking place all day in Stone Road Mall.

demonstrate that a part of Canadian society believes now may be time for a resurgence in interest regarding green issues, and a time to repair Canada’s crumbling international reputation regarding environmental and climate change policy. As Asrar pointed out, “no

extra-curricular activities as a way of fighting back against the government.

This means that children in the Upper Grand District School Board are currently without school clubs, sports teams, or extra help after school.

The implementation of Bill 115 seems to be weighing heavily on some teachers, students, and families. Due to the unpredictable nature of the walkouts, parents have been forced to find alternate methods of childcare, students are being denied the luxuries they once received daily, and teachers are having their rights taken away (some would say forcefully

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Global to Local: U of G students and staff on international and national news

Participants will either cut their “Kids just want to be kids. And hair or shave their heads to stand it makes it difficult for them when in solidarity with the children and they feel like they look sick,” said women who are undergoing che- Kellenberger. “These wigs have The media recently reported that, as motherapy. Professional stylists from an absolutely huge impact on part of Sexual Awareness Week, the U of T Sexual Education Centre has Kharisma Hair Design and Colorist self-esteem.” will provide all haircuts in a 30-minIn the past three years, $35,000 rented out a club that permits sex on ute session. For additional styling, has been raised for research, along the premises. The event is meant to encourage a “sex-positive attitude” donors are welcome to return to the with 190 ponytails donated. salon at a later date for half price.

Kellenberger retells a story where and allow students to experience Hair longer than eight inches will past event organizer Bethanny Le- the sex club scene in a safe space. Dr. be donated. rman, two-time childhood cancer Ruth Neustifter, an assistant professor “It’s definitely a statement,” Kel- survivor, witnessed first-hand the within the Couple & Family Therapy program at the University of Guelph lenberger remarked. Together with effect these wigs have.

Kira Seki and Amanda Kubik, the “She told a story [about] when she who specializes in sexual well-being as Guelph students will be working to- was in Sick Kids, [and] a little girl well as survivors of intimate violence, wards their goal of $15,000 for the who was waiting for a wig finally re- spoke to The Ontarion on the topic.

Childhood Cancer Canada Foun- ceived hers, and was so excited that The Ontarion: Is this topic as controdation. Dyed hair is sent to Locks she never took it off.” of Love in the United States, while Ultimately, says Kellenberger versial as it seems or a step in the right untreated hair will be given to Pan- of the children living with cancer, direction for exploring sexuality? tene Beautiful Lengths, a Canadian “They just want an opportunity to Ruth Neustifter: It can be both controversial and a step in the right direction. organization. live a normal childhood.”

There can be a great deal of value in pushing social boundaries to creregion of the world will be immune agriculture has a lot to offer. We are ate space for students to learn more or resilient to the impact of climate at the forefront of the next revo- about safe, consensual opportunities change.” lution in green agriculture,” said to explore and express sexual diversiAsrar concluded his talk with a the speaker. ty. Events like this are strictly optional message of encouragement.

The talk was part of the Plant Ag- to attend, and every good club makes “Let us work towards a prosper- riculture Seminar Series, which will consent and safety ous future for our children and be held every Wednesday in Thorn- their top priorities. In fact, places their children. Clearly the field of borough 1307 at 3:30 p.m. like this can be a unique way to explore sexual Negotiation and respect within a supportive and safe atmoand maliciously). All of these conseDespite criticisms from various sphere, should students choose to quences of Bill 115 are just some of the sources, teachers in the Guelph attend. Whether students choose to be reasons why the Upper Grand District community as well as all over On- more intimately involved or not, they School Board planned a day of pro- tario are continuing to receive can witness diverse bodies, sexualities, test for all of its elementary schools. support from all over the country. and sexual negotiation skills within an Just hours after the decision to As of right now, all future pro- accepting environment where both no abandon the walkout, buses in the tests have been called off, including and yes are respected. area were cancelled due to weather, the political protest that was set The Ontarion: What kind of response which caused a great deal of confu- for Jan. 16 by the Ontario Second- have you received from your own exsion among parents. ary School Teacher’s Federation periences with teaching sexuality to “[We] realize that parents were (OSSTF). However, it has become young adults and to larger audiences extremely inconvenienced [with] evident that the fight against Bill through media? scrambling for child care, and then 115 is far from over and the Guelph RN: There is a huge need and interest in bus cancellations for inclement weath- community has not heard the last sexuality information that is accessible, er adding to the frustration,” said Chair from the teachers’ union or the applicable, shame-free, and respectful of the Board Mark Bailey. government at large. of an individual’s ability to determine their own sexual morals and ethics […]

There are certainly plenty of opportunities to explore more traditional ideas of sex and intimacy; events like this help to add a bit more balance, diversity, and perspective.

The Ontarion: Is this a news topic that Rafaela é, students at U of G should pay attention to?

RN: Diverse sexual interests and practices are nothing new, although they may be garnering more attention recently. However, the way our culture responds is always changing. I’m sure that U of G students with a personal interest in this event will take note, but it should also catch the eye of anyone interested in sexual diversity, intimacy and eroticism, cultures of sexual consent, and related topics.

Thanks to the participant for this week’s interview. If you have an international news story that you want to see here, contact News Editor Alicja Grzadkowska at onnews@ uoguelph.ca.

4 w w w.th e on ta r ion . c om One health issue, four approaches

news

Symposium presents many perspectives on cardiovascular health

students to a diversity of issues in space on their heart health. related to, in this year’s case, Finally, Holloway presented her research on people with cardiovascular disease.

“The [students] enjoyed the congenital heart defects, and variety of the topics since it ways in which they can safely Alicja Grzadkowska wasn’t just four speakers on the exercise. structure of the heart; it was Though the symposium was Astronauts, babies, genetics, food and heart health, exercise centered on lectures, Clark and ginseng seem to have lit- and heart health, and genet- says that the students and factle in common on the surface, ics and environmental factors.” ulty were also provided with but four lectures that took place M o r r i s o n , f r o m M c M a s - opportunities to network, duron Jan. 11 as part of the annual ter University, discussed her ing the breaks between each Health and Human Nutrition- research on children with ge- lecture and at the wine and al Sciences Symposium (HHNS) netic cholesterol disease, and cheese event following the final combined these things under how environmental factors lecture.

Students in HHNS were also the larger umbrella of cardio- in the womb can affect childvascular health research. hood cardiovascular health. presented with an opportuDr. Katherine Morrison, Dr. Clark explained the research nity to participate directly in Morris Karmazyn, Dr. Richard of Karmazyn, from Western the lecture series by coming up Hughson, and PhD candidate University, who studies the with solutions, monetarily feaTanya Holloway at the Univer- benefits of ginseng on delaying sible or not, to a cardiovascular sity of Guelph were the speakers heart transplants in patients epidemic. Four students from at the event, which aims to who have suffered from heart different years of study were focus on a different topic re- attacks. chosen based on their ideas, lated to health each year. Last “[Karmazyn’s] research has and presented their thoughts year’s focus was Alzheimer’s, found that rats [who have an at the symposium. while the 2010 symposium’s induced heart attack], and get “We like to feature students topic was obesity. Margaret ginseng in a supplement form because, although the sympoClark, the vice-president of the [experience] a huge decrease sium is about current research Nutritional and Nutraceutical in getting heart failures, so that faculty across Ontario Sciences Student Association that’s promising research for present, we want to showcase and an executive member for the the future.” what the future has to hold, essymposium, says that changing On the other hand, astronauts pecially the ideas from Guelph the topic each year is meant to were the focus of Hughson’s students,” said Clark, adding, add variety for students who research and lecture as the ac- “It’s reassuring to see that we’re attend the event each year, add- ademic, from the University of producing students that have ing that the different ways that Waterloo, discussed the effect really good ideas about the one topic is covered also exposes of their sedentary lifestyles future.”

vanessa tignanelli

The HHNS symposium brought together four speakers to discuss heart health.

Living on Less workshops begin Learning to be financially and environmentally conscious Colleen McDonell During economical hardships, there are many that have to or are choosing to live with less. If you look around, many of your neighbours may be of of low income, some may have lost their jobs, or have taken early retirement. Many who are struggling to live on less strive to maintain their dignity, self worth, health, and good nutrition.

Living on Less is a series

designed to help Guelph citizens live on a smaller budget, and in a more environmentally friendly way. Running from Jan. 14 to March 4 at St. James Anglican Church downtown, this free workshop brings existing resources together and invites participants to share their knowledge and experience, according to a news release.

The program began in 2009 as a pilot outreach project to help people struggling to “live on less” while maintaining the value of their lifestyle, and personal self-worth. According to the Guelph Community Foundation website, over 70 people came together during the first

“The program began in 2009 as a pilot outreach project to help people struggling to ‘live on less’.”

series to try and live a more simple life, cope with the attitude of poverty, thrive, and be positive.

“Before this program, I had no idea of so many small ways I could help myself or where I could go for help when needed,” one participant was overheard saying during the first session on Jan. 14.

Different local experts and counselors lead each session, focusing on things such as housing, health, food and eating, and financial plans. They cover topics such as developing a personal spending plan, staying healthy, employment services, transportation, legal aid, fraud, and practical ways to save. There’s

a community kitchen workshop to explore the topic of eating on much less, and even a workshop discussing how to lessen your environmental footprint by making your own cleaning and skin care products.

The series is sponsored by HBC/ Zellers, the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, and St. James the Apostle Anglican Church. Despite some misconceptions, there is not religious focus to the workshops, and every community member is welcome to attend.

The Living on Less series, located at Paisley St. and 86 Glasgow St. N. is held every Monday and begins with a light breakfast.

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

news

The end of elephants?

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Endangerment of the species in African habitats

was the “largest illegal ivory haul ever,” according to The Guardian.

The numbers certainly show the dangers facing African elephants.

While in 1986, 130,000 elephants Alicja Grzadkowska populated southern Sudan, only 5,000 remain today. However, it’s It is common knowledge that indus- important to note that there are also try has had little beneficial effects on populations of elephants in Asia that wildlife and the environment. How- seem to face higher risk of extincever, the impact of one particular tion. In fact, the IUCN Red List of economic supply and demand chain Threatened Species lists African elmay soon result in the extinction of ephants as vulnerable in the 2004 one of the most identifiable species assessment, while Asian elephants on the planet: the elephant. are listed as endangered, a higher The World Wildlife Foundation status, and have been restricted to (WWF) reports that the popu- several regions in India and neighlation of elephants in the Congo bouring countries.

Basin of Africa, and specifically Questions of preserving elephants, the subspecies of forest elephants, and other endangered species, have is in significant decline because of been brought up in the context of poaching for the international ivory industry encroaching on wildtrade. The WWF also states that be- life. However, one seemingly good tween one-quarter and one-third solution should be questioned, acof the total African elephant popu- cording to Georgia Mason, Canada lation consists of forest elephants, Research Chair and professor of and identifies Thailand as a major animal welfare at the University of participant in the ivory trade.

Guelph, who studies the stereotypIn December, 24 tonnes of illegal ic behaviour of animals in captivity. ivory were confiscated in Malaysia, Often, zoos claim to work in favour and China has been pointed to as of species preservation while in acthe main market for elephant ivory. tuality, being ineffective at doing so.

Several countries in Africa partici“One [way that zoos do this] is pate in elephant poaching like South that they hold a bunch of captive animals who are essentially Sudan and Tanzania.

With the recent discovery of the used to people and used to capillegal ivory in Malaysia, the media tivity and those animals are never has once again returned to the topic going to be released into the wild, of elephant endangerment, espe- and they’re just there to kind of cially as the discovery of illegal ivory motivate the public,” said Mason.

vanessa tignanelli

Media sources are calling attention to elephant poaching and endangerment.

Holding animals for what seems like human entertainment has remained controversial with animal welfare organizations.

Captive breeding centres are other forms of “preservation.” “[These] centres, that often aren’t open to the public, create captive populations of animals whose subjects they then release into the wild, so they actively supplement wild populations, and that has by and large not been successful,” said Mason. “There have been a few

Newsology: Awards shows Golden Globes trigger thrilling headlines Alicja Grzadkowska What has been called, “The greatest night in entertainment,” will soon be coming to a television near you. But, in preparation for the Oscars (and we need a lot of preparation to deal with all the weird and exciting ways that celebrities present themselves in front of more celebrities), the secondbest greatest night took place Jan. 13, to the great joy of all those with star-shaped eyes.

While the Golden Globes might not be the craziest and most irrelevant event to report on in the news, it certainly inspired some headlines that showed just how obsessed people are with celebrity gossip. For instance, The Chicago Tribune noted (thankfully, under “Celeb News”) that “Emma Roberts and boyfriend make out at Golden Globes after party,” which was both just as predictable as “Quentin Tarantino drops N-word backstage

while talking about Django excitement, according to Peter controversy,” according to The Scowen’s report on the night in Daily News, and just as boring as The Globe and Mail.

“Lindsay Lohan Live-Tweets the And yet, in the midst of all 2013 Golden Globes,” claimed by the necessary and unnecesThe Huffington Post. sary coverage of the Globes, it’s As comic as these headlines sometimes difficult to forget that seem, these media sources are these types of shows contribute clearly catering to some audi- to the creation of a celebrityence somewhere that wants to centered society where even if hear about this “news,” and ratings, profits, and audience finding people who indulge in feedback show positive recepreading it would certainly not tion of a film, it seems crucial be hard, or that appalling. to praise rich (and sometimes In fact, a few notable moments talented) people with more recdid happen during the awards ognition in often controversial show, like Jodie Foster’s com- decisions made by equally rich ing-out-but-not-really speech, people.

Even the members of the Holwhere she said, “There won’t be a big coming-out speech tonight, lywood Foreign Press Association because I already did my com- who decide on the Globe winners ing out about a thousand years have fallen prey to star-worship; ago in the Stone Age […] But now Peter Howell of The Toronto Star apparently, I’m told that every has dubbed them “the powerful celebrity is expected to honour nobodies” who “play a major role the details of their life with a in helping celebrities and power press conference, a fragrance, players get what they really want: and a prime-time reality show.” an Oscar nomination,” which Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s reveals that even at the root of performances at the show were award shows overrun with cealso celebrated, and Bill Clin- lebrities, sit a group of people ton’s introduction to Lincoln devoted to reminding us of the sparked a Justin Bieber-type “power” of the stars.

success cases, but on the whole, it’s very expensive and not very efficient, and involves a lot of captive bred animals just dying in the wild because they’re not competent.”

As of now, the outside world seems powerless to stop elephant poaching, though conservationists are attempting to raise awareness about the species.

arts & Culture 6 w w w.th e on ta r ion . c om Vinyl show brings emotional rollercoaster Neverending White Lights follows Medicine Hat

foreshadowed when all members of the newer songs. Overheard of the band entered the stage clad were some listeners claiming the in dark suits. The concept behind sound’s familiarity with the great the project of NWL, led solely by David Bowie, but for the most part Daniel Victor as recording artist the atmosphere lacked a collective Colleen McDonell and producer, is to present a wide hype, making the band resemble array of different voices and styles something past its prime.

If you accidentally stumbled into while retaining a focused sound.

Some redemption came near Vinyl between 6 and 10 p.m. on “It can be dark and hopeful, and the end. Those who stayed were Jan. 11, you would have discovered it evokes a lot of emotion,” said treated to what Neverending brighter lights and not the typical Victor on NWL’s music. “It’s not White Lights is best known for, top-40 and hip-hop beats. Instead, just like party music or straight up “The Grace” (2005) featuring Dalthat night GAIN Music showcased rock-and-roll. Sometimes people las Green. Truppe stepped in for bands Medicine Hat and Never- say, ‘I get shivers listening to that the vocals, and though he was no ending White Lights. song’ or ‘I cried listening to that City & Colour, he deserves credit Medicine Hat, like always, song.’ As long as there is a sort of for hitting those notes. The band brought a joyful and energetic vibe strong feeling that comes with lis- finished with another old favouto the room. Guitarist Tyler Ber- tening to our music. When I finish rite, “Always” (2007). sche joked in between songs that a song, and I don’t get emotion or Nearing the end of the set, Victor him and singer Nabi Loney have [it] doesn’t trigger shivers, I throw explained that he strives to put out decided to get married in order it out and start again.” music that is the “opposite of Justo “help promote the band.” The Victor demonstrated his versa- tin Bieber stuff.” The melancholia evident closeness that all the band tility in using different instruments that settled in post-Medicine Hat members shared translated into from guitar to the tambourine and definitely attested for this to be an extremely cohesive and uplift- in sharing the stage with special true, and although they may not ing show, as the artists alternated guest Pete Truppe, singer and DJ have been exactly what concertgobetween old and new songs. The on Loveless Radio. Theatrical and ers were expecting, Neverending crowd enthusiastically moved to sometimes playful, Victor joked White Lights still proved to be a the music as Loney employed the with the audience in between uniquely collaborative and proaccordion and keyboardist Aaron songs while messing around with found project.

Hoffman nailed down a couple the other band members’ hair or solos. Despite being very early in fixing their ties.

Visit www.theontarion.com for the evening, the dance floor was Yet as the show went on, NWL a web-exclusive Q&A with Dancrowded. lost a lot of the audience. Perhaps iel Victor.

More brooding and dark, Nev- it was the unbearably loud sound erending White Lights brought that Vinyl always hosts, or the aufor web-exclusive photo Reel a very different performance, dience’s unfamiliarity with some

Wendy Shepherd

Neverending White Lights weren’t afraid to rock out as the walls reverberated at Vinyl on Jan. 11 as part of a GAIN Music showcase.

Pop Machine: The empire strikes back Questionable Death Star petition prompts overhaul of democratic US petitioning platform Tom Beedham While having satisfied a 25,000-signature threshold set by the Obama Administration, the White House will not be honouring the public’s recent urges to construct a Death Star.

One of the better-known concepts from George Lucas’s Star Wars universe, the Death Star is a fictional space station that doubles as a super weapon powerful enough to smite an entire planet in a single blast.

The petition topic was posted on the White House’s We the People platform – a website created to invite those with WhiteHouse. gov User Accounts to gain support on proposals for the United States federal government to respond to specific problems, support or oppose proposals, or otherwise change or continue federal government policy or actions.

Despite the ludicrous nature of the Death Star petition, White

House Science and Space Branch Chief Paul Shawcross responded in good sport to the 34,435-signature petition in an official statement.

“The Administration does not support blowing up planets,” Shawcross said. Tongue-incheek, the official also noted that the White House would not be pursuing the project as (a) its estimated $852 quadrillion construction costs would expand the country’s deficit rather than reduce it, (b) based on current rates of steel production, the materials required would make the undertaking an 833,000-year project, and (c) the proposed orbital battle station has a “fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a oneman starship.”

Enthusiastic responses garnered by the Death Star petition as well as others posted on the We the People platform prompted the White House to update the original signature threshold it had set as a requirement for government response to a quadrupled threshold of 100,000 signatures on Jan. 15, assumedly to prevent the platform from mirroring so many other corners of the Internet that rival the wretched hive of scum and villainy of Tatooine’s

Mos Eisley spaceport.

Perhaps the drastic overhaul of its requirements will cause We the People users to smarten up,

lest they should prompt a government further creeping towards the totalitarian reach of a certain Empire of a long time ago in

a galaxy far, far away.

But maybe that’s what they want. They asked for a Death Star, after all.

T h e e n vy

vanessa tignanelli

Signed to the label of rock icon Gene Simmons, The Envy stormed the Brass Taps on Jan 10. for a frost week rock show.

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

arts & Culture

A nostalgic birthday celebration

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Odd Years and Ben Doerksen help the Cornerstone reign in their 11th year

atmosphere as Doerksen launched into his heartfelt and warming folk/ bluegrass set. Clarke provided delicate backing harmonies and Hart’s masterful and effortless cello work gave the otherwise simplistic comRobyn Nicholson positions an aspect of timelessness.

While Doerksen’s vocals oftentimes The Cornerstone is not only a down- felt strained, the songwriting retown Guelph mainstay known for its mained genuine and warm, albeit vegetarian cuisine and late-night bar the generic folk guitar style quickly scene, but also for its undying support began to feel repetitive. As far as lyrifor local musicians. The evening of Jan. cal content went, Doerksen noted that 12 saw the celebration of the establish- more than a few songs were inspired ment’s eleventh year of business, with by a youth spent in Guelph, and nosthe help of two musical acts whose talgia for the royal city. careers were aided in a large way by Eventually, headliners and Woodthe hospitality of the Cornerstone. stock neighbours Odd Years took to Kicking off the evening was fa- the stage. Each of the five members miliar local face Ben Doerksen, with being a handsome twenty-something, the help of vocalist Sarah Clarke and Odd Years exuded the youthful encellist Adam Hart. Making reference thusiasm and simultaneously the to the band which earned the artist calm cool collectedness of the ideal local notoriety, Doerksen noted that indie band. A witty Cornerstone emGuelph folk staples Your Neck of the ployee quipped as he served the band Woods played their very first show at some beverages that “the one with the Cornerstone. While Your Neck has the scruffy beard sounds especially since disbanded, Doerksen has con- fantastic,” which, as you might guess, tinued to work on solo material, some was ironic because every single memof which was showcased for the ab- ber was sporting a trendy amount of solutely packed Cornerstone crowd. scruff. Apart from their standard indie There was an undeniably joyous band uniforms, the group’s polished

vanessa tignanelli

Odd Years filled the Cornerstone’s cozy front corner on Jan. 12 to treat the café to an upbeat set in honour of the venue’s 11th anniversary. and effortless sound filled the entirety of Cornerstone’s tightly packed space, and thoroughly entertained the crowd with sing-a-longs and overall earnest energy. Continuing the themes of celebration in honour of their hosts, the band’s set included upbeat and infectiously catchy numbers as well as touching, striding indie ballads. The material is at once clean, concise and professionally performed, with original touches lent largely by retro

keyboard work.

As a special birthday treat dedicated to the Cornerstone, the band joyfully performed not one but several Beatles covers, including incredible and absolutely bang-on versions of “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End,” and even including that infamous ode to “her majesty.”

By this point, Odd Years had already successfully charmed the entire crowd as well as a few passersby, and were

cheered on into doing another fantastic cover, this time to the tune of Paul McCartney’s “Band on the Run.” This rousing and gleeful number brought the evening to a close, but in a larger sense ushered in the beginning of what promises to be another great year of live music not only at the Cornerstone, but in downtown Guelph. for web-exclusive

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Reel

Film review: Holy Motors Artful film may be 2012’s best

minute runtime he plays a motion- insights as to what exactly it’s about. capture actor, a decrepit beggar, a In sacrificing traditional storytelling, deformed leprechaun man-thing Holy Motors feels like a handful of who eats flowers and kidnaps a unrelated short films tied together Adrien Potvin muted model (Eva Mendes), an as- by the motif of the limousine. The sassin, the assassinated, a dying man limousine is so important to the Holy Motors, French auteur Leos and a jilted lover – just to name a film’s narrative that it reduces the Carax’s first film in 12 years, is a dif- handful of his transformations. performances of the characters to ficult film to view and even more These “appointments” are given to wholly physical presences, stripping difficult to describe in words, so I’ll him in cryptic leather-bound port- them of much of their emotional do my best with my allotted word folios, and the encounters range in investment to the story. The mulcount. We follow the mysterious tone from unsettling to hilarious tiplicities that Oscar and his faithful Monsieur Oscar (Denis Lavant) as to (more often than not) straight assistant Celine face throughout he drives around Paris with his as- up bizarre. the film place them in an existensistant and limousine driver Celine Upon a first viewing, it would tial crisis, and we can tie this in to (Edith Scob) taking on a number of seem that Carax’s film was made the larger issue of identity in the identities and appearances to par- to be weird for weird’s sake, with its 21st century. take in a handful of “appointments” trippy visuals and cool detachment If we consider the social frameacross the city. Exactly what Mon- from traditional narrative. Howev- work of the contemporary world, sieur Oscar does is not revealed, but er, paying attention to the structure by which I mean the instantaneity in over the span of the film’s lean 115 of the film reveals some interesting how we experience social relations,

then Oscar may be a sort of 21st gaze into, and in the case of Moncentury everyman. Sure, the film is sieur Oscar, it’s the limousine that about cinema in its allusions to clas- he spends his days in.

The year 2012 was superb for cinsic films (King Vidor’s 1928 silent The Crowd and Georges Franju’s 1960 ema, with challenging and beautiful horror classic Eyes Without a Face, to works like Tom Tykwer and Andy name a few), but what makes it so Wachowski’s Cloud Atlas, Paul important is its awareness of the gen- Thomas Anderson’s The Master and eral idea of performance. Through Michael Haneke’s Amour, but I feel this unity of performance and cin- that Holy Motors is the most imporematography, unified to the point of tant film of the year simply because indistinguishable, the picture makes it only could have been made in the a staggering statement of the indi- world of today, both technically and vidual’s place in a wholly connected conceptually. It’s progressive and world. We are blending in to a global nostalgic at the same time in the way sphere of ideas now more than ever, few films are, and unlike many purist and sometimes we venture too far film directors and fans who staunchinto the medium by which we ex- ly oppose the digital wave of cinema, perience social relations. In our case, Carax welcomes it with open arms it’s the entire world at our fingertips and utilizes it as a unique and effecand within the little rectangles we tive storytelling tool.

What the Tech?

Can high-tech ice cubes make drinking safer?

Nick Revington Partying has a pretty central place in the stereotypical student lifestyle, and those parties usually involve drinking.

For some, the downside of alcohol consumption is learned the hard way.

Dhairya Dand, a grad student at MIT, used one of these “life lessons” as the inspiration for a novel invention.

After passing out drunk at a party and waking up in the hospital, Dand created a gelatin ice cube-like device called Cheers equipped with sensors and a timer capable of tracking how much you have consumed and how quickly. The cubes turn colour from green to red if you indulge in your beverage too fast – and if you don’t heed the warning, it can transmit a text message to a friend indicating that you could be in danger. The lights also pulsate with sounds, so they will flash along with the music at a bar.

While the device may sound useful to those students who have had one too many, one too many times, the actual practicality of the invention might be questionable. First of all, cases of overconsumption of alcohol do not often stem from the inability to judge one’s own intoxication.

“I think one of the biggest problems with people going over, drinking too much, is not that they aren’t consciously aware they are drinking too much. A lot of the time they know they are drinking too much but they just don’t care,” said Will Bevens, a

bartender who works at the Brass Taps.

Second, the sensors may not be able to appropriately judge spills, or the difference between a double rye and ginger on one hand and a low-alcohol beer on the other.

“I don’t think I want someone telling me how much I’ve drank. I think I want to determine that myself,” said student Dalton Wiebe.

And even if your own judgement of when enough is enough is impaired, that doesn’t mean those around you can’t tell.

“From my perspective as a bartender, and being able to track how drunk people are… we are trained to be able to tell [if someone is intoxicated] visually,” said Bevens. “People can tell when you’re drunk anyway. If you’re getting too drunk and your ice cube turns red, I think people are already aware that you’re drunk by the slurring.”

Dand’s invention may be more novelty than anything.

“I don’t think I would use it personally to monitor [my alcohol consumption], but I would use it to check it out,” said Wiebe.

arts & Culture 8 w w w.th e on ta r ion . c om Cardinals Pride and End Of Crisis get intimate Ontario shows some love for Quebec hardcore bands

with a similar musical taste and sound, but with a heavier and more aggressive twist.

Shonda White Cardinals Pride and End Of Crisis describe their music as melodic hardcore, and they have both built a respectable fan base in Quebec. In order to branch out of the province, the bands decided to kick off the new year with The Mayans Were Wrong Tour, which includes nine shows in 11 days within Ontario and Quebec. This past Friday, Jan. 11, saw the musicians in Guelph at the ANAF Club for their second night of touring.

Cardinals Pride is a six-piece band from Quebec City with a fresh hardcore sound. They admit their first full-length isn’t that great, but they’ve redeemed themselves with the release of their latest EP, Priorities, of which most of their set list was comprised. With two vocalists, they’re able to get up close and intimate with the audience in a way that lets people have a choice of who they can relate to, while relating to the band as a whole as well. End Of Crisis is a five-piece band from Montreal

“The crowd was hesitant to get deeply involved in the music at first, but eventually welcomed the bands with open arms, reckless dance moves, and lots of head banging.”

Despite the intimate nature of the bands, their music, and even the venue, it was clear that few people had heard of Cardinals Pride or End Of Crisis prior to the event. The crowd was

One Per Order

Shonda White

Guitarist Antoine McNulty-LaSalle of Cardinals Pride looks on as hardcore and metal fans fill the ANAF hall on Jan. 11. hesitant to get deeply involved in the music at first, but eventually welcomed the bands with open arms, reckless dance moves, lots of head banging, and even some cash in exchange for their CDs. Opening bands Seducing Medusa of Guelph, Ivory Coast of Barrie and Mercenaries of Georgetown also pulled a decent

crowd early in the night. There was enough space to let everyone get a little wild while getting a sample platter of new music.

arts & Culture

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

Exploring women’s underwear through history Waist Management: A History of Unmentionables comes to Guelph museum Colleen McDonell Imagine wearing a rubber corset in the summer, or putting on six petticoats and bloomers underneath your skirt every morning.

It may seem ridiculous today, but in the past women have often gone to such lengths in order to enhance their figures.

On Jan. 11, the Guelph Civic Museum opened Waist Management: A History of Unmentionables, a new touring exhibit from the Fashion History Museum. The exhibit allows visitors to explore how women’s underwear fashions have changed since the 18th century.

“Underwear is something you don’t often see,” said Acting Manager Bev Dietrich. “I don’t know what you’re wearing, and you don’t know what I’m wearing under here. You often look at the fashion, the dress over top, but it’s the underwear that gives the shape to the dress.”

Underwear does have practical purposes; it protects outer clothes, and can provide warmth, support, and comfort. Yet it has also been used to shape the body

History Museum’s vast collection of garments and offer a view of the evolution of unmentionables.”

The Fashion History Museum partners with other institutions to increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of fashion history. It stores and maintains an enormous collection of over 8,000 garments and accessories, dating as far back as the1660s. The Fashion History Museum has had other exhibits at Guelph Civic Museum in the past, such as 12.12.12.: Life in Three Centuries, as well as paper dress and WWII era exhibits at the old location.

“What is interesting with this exhibit is that you can see what they wore, because there are some really early pieces. There is one corset from the 1700s. You don’t often get an opportunity to see that,” said Dietrich.

Most pieces in the exhibit are Canadian, and so in a way, allow women of today to connect with the Canadian women in history.

“While undergarments have In 2013, one can only imagine played an important part putting on stockings or wearing a throughout fashion history, they large wire hoop underneath their were rarely seen – for obvious dress as they walk around town.

Waist Management runs until reasons,” Dietrich said on the museum website. “Exhibitions April 14, 2013 and the museum is dedicated to the history of un- open from 1-5 p.m. dergarments are equally rare, so we’re thrilled for the opportunity for web-exclusive photo Reel to showcase a portion the Fashion

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towards the idealized female form of the era. Waist Management provides a visual journey for visitors to view original pieces and learn about the evolution of women’s underwear in terms of bras, bustles, crinolines, corsets, stockings, and more. You can even try on some pieces yourself.

“You often look at the fashion, the dress over top, but it’s the underwear that gives the shape to the dress.”

– Bev Dietrich

Wendy Shepherd

The often-overlooked history of women’s underwear is being showcased at the Guelph Civic Museum. The touring exhibit includes pieces from as far back as the 1700s.

For more Arts & Culture content, visit theontarion.com for a web exclusive edition of From A to Zavitz.

idle no more

Localizing the movement for indigenous rights Idle No More comes to Guelph in series of rallies and gatherings Susannah Ripley Canada’s grassroots movement for indigenous rights took root in Guelph last weekend, with rallies occurring on Jan. 11 and 12.

Jan. 11 saw a small crowd of activists standing in the rain in Branion Plaza. Homemade placards wilted under the downpour, but the rain could not deter the group of OPIRG members and curious bystanders.

Activist Greg Shupak sank into the mud as he spoke about the context of Idle No More. He addressed the movement’s origins as a response to Bill C-45, officially titled the Jobs and Growth Act, which was passed Dec. 14, 2012. Bill C-45 is an omnibus bill, containing pieces of legislation that affect various sectors and groups. Idle

No More is concerned in particular A third objection Shupak presented at the edges of the gathering, but the with the bill’s changes to environ- was the potential for environmental mood was peaceful. mental protection and treaty rights. degradation.

Folk musician James Gordon per“Bill C-45 was passed without However, Idle No More is not simply formed a song he had written for the proper consultation or really any a protest against Bill C-45. Rather, the rally and encouraged spectators to join meaningful conversation with Ab- movement wants to start a conversa- in the chorus. original Peoples,” said Shupak. tion among Canadians about aboriginal Speakers included Guelph MP Frank Shupak pointed out three areas of issues in general.

Valeriote, as well as members of the concern: territory, water, and envi“Aboriginal Peoples suffer higher rates Council of Canadians, Grand River ronmental effects on the land. of incarceration, poverty and addic- Métis Council and other groups. A He said that territory is an issue be- tion than any other people living on “talking feather” was passed around cause, under the new legislation, First this land,” said Shupak. He attributed the circle to ensure that all voices were Nations can be made to surrender land this in part to continued efforts of set- heard. at the request of the government. tler Canadians to eliminate indigenous The overall message was for inThe bill also strips protection from culture and force Aboriginal Peoples creased conversation and awareness most of Canada’s rivers and bodies of to assimilate. of issues that affect indigenous and setwater, he stated.

After the Branion Square rally, tler Canadians. “[Under Bill C-45] pipeline and some of the participants moved to St. “What affects First Nations affects all power line developers do not have George’s Square downtown to join pro- of us,” Valeriote said. to prove that these projects are envi- testers from the community.

The message was expressed by one ronmentally safe,” said Shupak. “In The next day, the sun shone on a handmade placard hoisted high at the the past this didn’t always work in crowd of hundreds in Market Square. Market Square rally: “I am doing this for practice, but there was some kind A drum circle played, and the air was my children and your grandchildren.” of obligation to protect Canada’s tinted with fragrant sage smoke. People waterways and that is now entirely of all ages waved flags and signs. Police Visit theontarion.com for a webremoved.” officers maintained a discreet presence exlusive photo reel.

Photos by Leigh Lichtenberg

12 w w w.t h e on ta r ion . c om SoccerFest takes over the fieldhouse A celebration of the world’s game occurred on campus on Jan. 12 Chris Müller In the calm of the first Saturday morning of the new semester, 350 young people were playing for one of 32 teams in the all-day tournament held on Jan. 12 in the fieldhouse.

The main surface was divided into three sections, with games being played and refereed simultaneously, providing a good deal of heat and humidity in the enclosed structure. Large nets draped from the ceiling kept the games from interefering with each other and protected the many onlookers enjoying from the sidelines.

It was without a doubt a true celebration of soccer, as a D.J. blasted dance tunes from a corner of the facility, no doubt mimicking the movement of the players on the pitch in their artistry.

Participants over the age of 16 competed vigorously in an attempt to capture the $1,000.00 championship prize and the all-important bragging rights that go alongside it.

However, the purpose of the event was not to promote competition for the victor’s purse, as the passionate Shadi Hagag explained while taking some time to speak with The Ontarion during a busy day of organizing.

“The idea of SoccerFest is very much about street soccer,” said Hagag. “I want to bring street soccer to Canada, and the way to introduce that is to create tournaments on a very small field, allowing people to come from all over the place to play in one area.”

Now in it’s second year, SoccerFest is organized by Hagag as part of Guelphite Sports, an organization that also organizes a “Drop n’ Play” adult soccer recreation program in Guelph. SoccerFest is transitioning from a yearly to quarterly event; something Hagag believes will help grow the sport in Guelph and the surrounding area.

“The vision of SoccerFest is to become a very large tournament that can attract people from all over the place to come to Guelph. SoccerFest can become the next Hillside [Festival],” said Hagag.

The reach of the event extended into the ranks of the university’s athletic program, with several teams from the varsity soccer programs participating. Coach Keith Mason of the men’s soccer team could be found watching games where high-school students were playing, no doubt scouting for future Gryphons.

The event concluded with an after party at Atmosphere Café on Carden Street, largely exclusive to participants of the tournament.

The growth of this event could be attributed to Hagag’s recognition of the area’s love of soccer, but it seems that the festival setting Hagag has created is bolstering the initial growth of the program. Teams from as far as Hamilton, Sarnia, Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto attended the event, a good indicator of the sport’s reach.

Born in Egypt and raised in Italy, Hagag’s love of street soccer is as natural as the Canadian affinity for street hockey – comparing the wayward days of his Egyptian and Italian childhood to the daily afternoon road hockey games that kept

chris müller

The field house was home to the second annual SoccerFest, a festival promoting the merits of street soccer to Canadians on Jan. 12. so many young Canadians occupied after school. While it may have been on a different continent, Hagag has tapped into the sense of community that sports organizations help foster, and the university’s new facilities were constructed with this in mind.

Due to the extensive growth of the event, Hagag is looking to extend the reach of the program by having a summer edition of the event where streets in downtown Guelph would be closed to facilitate a makeshift pitch to play on. Future meetings with Guelph City Council and potential corporate sponsors could make this a reality in the near future.

Women’s volleyball remain winless in 2013 With losses to Lakehead and Brock, the Women’s volleyball team has fallen to 0-2 in the new year, and 3-9 overall Jeff Sehl After a long holiday break which saw the Gryphons women’s volleyball team go nearly a month and a half without competing in an OUA regular season match, the Gryphons have struggled to find the win column thus far in the new year. After a loss to Brock in St. Catharines on Jan. 5, the women’s volleyball team made the long trip out to Thunder Bay to take on the 5-8 Lakehead Thunderwolves on Jan. 12. Unfortunately for the Gryphons, the host Thunderwolves were well prepared for their arrival, defeating

sports & Health

the Gryphons 3-1 with set scores OUA regular season schedule. Howof 25-10, 15-25, 25-15, and 25-21. ever, according to Andzel, it may be Offensively the Gryphons were led something that the Gryphons can’t by three-year veteran Julie Gordon practice that is most holding them and first-year rookie setter Ashleigh back from finding the win column Andzel, who managed 15 points and more often.

30 assists respectively in the loss.

“We need to believe that we can Despite the disappointing final re- actually win games. When we are sult, the Gryphons displayed some in the lead, we need to finish the encouraging team play in the loss games instead of letting teams get that, according to Andzel, will be back in,” Andzel said. essential for the Gryphons to conWith only six games remaining tinue in order to find success in the in the regular season, the Gryphfuture. ons will need to find success sooner “In our game against Lakehead my rather than later as they sit four team blocked fairly well and served points out of the eighth and final aggressively,” Andzel said. “We playoff spot in the OUA. However, must continue to serve aggressively the Gryphons’ success and a playand receive a lot better to become off berth won’t be an easily attained more successful.” goal as three of their last six opponAspects of the Gryphons’s strong ents sit above them in the standings. team play may be attributed to the Yet the Gryphons aren’t looking too work ethic they showed during far ahead as they have the daunting their holiday layoff, in which they task of facing the 10-0 York Univerreturned to Guelph shortly after sity Lions in their next match on Jan. Christmas, practicing twice a day 18 at the W.F. Mitchell Athletic Cenin preparation for their return to the tre. Game time is 6:00 p.m..

Hagag and other SoccerFest organizers showcased the viability of street soccer in Canada, and if doubling the size of the event over the

course of a year is any indication, only bigger and better things are on the horizon for Hagag and Guelphite Sports.

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

sports & Health

Frosty Mug Preview Get set for the premiere regular season event of the OUA hockey season Chris Müller If we’ve learned anything about this year’s men’s hockey team, it’s that anything can happen.

The Gryphons opened the season with four straight losses, then followed it with four straight wins. Following that, the offense got hot and the men won seven in a row. Things have leveled off since then, and the 12-6-2 Gryphons are now third in the OUA West standings, with York and Lakehead snapping at their heels.

So it’s with great excitement that the student population at the University of Guelph anticipates the return of the annual Frosty Mug Winter Homecoming event, held at the Sleeman Centre.

Last year’s iteration of the event saw Guelph defeat the Laurier Golden Hawks 5-3, led in part by Justin Gvora’s hat trick. The game was well attended by students and former members of the men’s hockey team, as well as many fans of hockey in the Guelph community. The added draw of playing in a larger facility surely helped to generate the attendance, but by that point in the season, the Gryphons were hoping to grab the last playoff spot, eventually losing the opening playoff

series to Lakehead 2-1.

Looking to the Jan. 18 tilt scheduled for this year, things are looking a little bit different than last year.

The Gryphons will host the 9-7-4 Waterloo Warriors, a team only four points behind Guelph in the standings. Expect the best goaltender in the OUA, Brandon Maxwell, to have a stellar game between the pipes for the Gryphons. Maxwell enters the contest with a 10-3 record as a starter, three of those wins coming as shutouts. The 1.92 goals against average is nearly as impressive as the stellar .934 save percentage. Suffice to say, he’s been a reliable contributor for the Gryphon’s success this season.

The goaltender might need a little help from the defense in this one, as Justin Larson of Waterloo is the fourth-best point getter in the OUA, totaling 13 goals and 17 assists through 20 games. Expect Guelph’s rookie tough-guy, Brett Appio to bring his physical presence to the ice and make things difficult for Larson and the rest of the Waterloo offensive unit.

Offensively, Andrew Bathgate, the OUA rookie who notched 63 points in 69 games for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL last season, currently leads the Gryphon goal scorers with 14 on the season. Appio and Jon-Thomas MacDonald have scored eight goals apiece, tying them for second on the team.

tasha falconer

Members of the men’s hockey team look on during a game earlier this season.

The high-flying Gryphons should present some problems for the Waterloo goaltending, which has struggled at times this year. Keaton Hartigan has started twice as many games as his backup and has kept up his end of the bargain posting a 2.86 goals against average with a .915 save percentage. The decent numbers haven’t translated into wins for Hartigan, who is a mediocre 6-8 on the season.

With that, the stage is set for what is sure to be an exciting game between two potential playoff contenders with playoff implications on the line.

It’s not an event hockey fans

Gryphs succeed at Can-Am Classic The nation’s best track and field program is off to some early-season success Chris Müller The track and field team had yet another successful weekend when the men and women travelled to Windsor on Jan. 11-12 for the Can-Am Classic hosted by the Windsor Lancers.

The Gryphons totaled 26 total top-five finishes over the course of the weekend.

Highlighting the women’s efforts was Julia Wallace, who won the triple jump event with a distance of 12.58 meters and placed second in the high jump with a height of 1.65 meters. Jen Dowling-Medley placed second in the 3000 meter race with a time of 10:18.54, teammate Val Cote finished the event seven seconds behind Downling-Medley, good

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enough for third place in the the looming Mar. 7-9 CIS chamevent. Erika Fiedler met the CIS pionships at the University of standard (automatically qualify- Alberta must be weighing on the ing her for the national meet) in minds of the athletes. the pole vault, clearing a height Both the men and women’s of 3.82 meters. teams are ranked at the very top Tim Hendry stole the show on in the nation for their ability and the men’s side of things, post- recent results.

The men have their work cut ing a meet record-breaking out for them, as they’ll look to 17.68-meter shot put and placing second in the weight throw continue this strong start in purat 18.43 meters. Hendry made suit of capturing their first OUA the CIS standard in both events. overall title, challenging a WindJorg Agne made the CIS standard sor program that hasn’t given in the long jump, posting a 7.26- up the championship since the meter mark and placing second 1997-98 campaign when Westin the event. ern won.

The perennially successThe women will look to recapful Gryphons have exactly one ture the form that led them to a month before the last meet of the 2008-09 OUA championship, but regular season, the Guelph Last Windsor is in the hunt for their Chance meet that will be held in fourth in a row. the field house on campus. The It’s lining up to be an excitevent on Feb. 15-16 should set ing season for the track and field the stage for the OUA champion- squad, one in which some memships a week later. While these bers will travel to South Bend, IN meets are sure to be the focus of and New York, NY for non-OUA the team in the coming weeks, competition.

should want to miss – it’s an excellent opportunity to experience the excitement of OUA hockey the night before the NHL resumes, convenient timing

to say the least for fans of the game. For those unable to attend, RogersTV (Cable 20) will be replaying the game on Jan. and Jan. 20.

14 w w w.t h e on ta r ion . c om Eight in a row for the Gryphons The Gryphons enter the weekend two points out of first place Chris Müller Opponents of the Gryphons have been shaking their heads lately, unsure of how to stop an offensive attack that possesses three of the top five point scorers in the OUA. In large part to the offensive output of Amanda Parkins (33 points), Jessica Pinkerton (29 points), and Christine Grant (24 points), the Gryphons haven’t lost since Nov. 11 in regular season play.

The Gryphons’ most recent action was against Western and Windsor on Jan. 12 and 13, respectively.

The Western game featured a goal by Tamara Bell and two from Pinkerton as the Gryphons outmuscled the Mustangs by a score of 3-1. Guelph kept the pressure on all game, firing ten shots against the Western net minder in each of the three periods. Guelph goalie Stephanie Nehring stopped 19 of 20 shots in her first game of the year – so much for shaking off the rust.

Parkins’s goal early in the

second period was all the Gryphons needed to beat Windsor, but Pinkerton’s off-the-bar goal in the third provided the insurance in a 2-0 victory. Nehring recorded the shutout in an excellent showing between the pipes, stopping all 14 shots by the Windsor offense.

Offense and goaltending aside, the true story of the weekend was the proficiency of the Gryphons’s penalty killing unit. Led

by Gryphon athlete of the week, Kim Wong, the Gryphons were perfect on the penalty kill, not allowing a single goal throughout the weekend. Wong played an average of 30 minutes in each game over the weekend, certainly contributing to the defensive unit’s effort.

The strong defensive performance occurred despite the Gryphons committing 17 total penalties in the two games, all in the form of two-minute minor penalties.

As the team’s 15-3-2 record would suggest, the Gryphons are playing their brand of hockey well in both ends of the ice.

Outscoring opponents 36-12 since Nov. 11, the Gryphons have been taking a balanced, if not physical approach in regular

vanessa tignanelli

Gryphon forward Kaitlyn Mora (12) moves the puck up ice during the team’s 3-1 victory against Western on Jan. 13. season play. With 220 penalty minutes, the Gryphons are second-best in the league at earning tickets to the penalty box, something they’ll look to correct moving into their final six games of the season, the most important of which could be when the first-place Laurier

Gryphons swimmers impress Another successful meet for the Gryphon swim team

backstroke and the 100-meter individual medley. Tess Wey claimed gold in three individual events: the 50-meter freestyle, the 100-meter butterfly, and finMark Gottheil ished the meet with a win in the 100-meter freestyle. Stephanie The Gryphons hosted an invita- Papadedeso placed second in the tional swim meet on Jan. 13 in the 50-meter butterfly.

W.F Mitchell Athletic Center, and Head Coach Don Burton was were joined by five other schools. particularly impressed by Tess Guelph competed against York, Wey, who earned the honour of Waterloo, Laurier, Trent, and athlete of the week by winning her Brock. three events and contributing in The competition was very heat- the 4 X 50-meter freestyle relay.

Burton believes Wey is a “seried, and all the encouragement and cheering for the athletes had been ous medal contender in several compacted into the word “go” events at the OUA championship,” which constantly bounced all over a meet that begins in a month’s the walls of the W.F. Mitchell Ath- time. letic Center by both spectators and The men’s first-years also teammates alike. got onto the podium. Evan Van Despite a recent training camp Moerkerke, achieved victory in that had left the swimmers fa- the 50-meter freestyle and 100tigued, the Gryphon swimmers meter freestyle. John Carroll won were still able to achieve victories the 100-meter butterfly, 100from both the men and women meter individual medley and the athletes of the swimming team.

50-meter butterfly. Curtis Voth A total of six different first years claimed first in the 50-meter won gold in their respective events. backstroke.

The women’s first-years includJohn Carroll also achieved ed Justine Van Herke who won athlete of the week status and the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter impressed his coach by claiming

sports & Health

victory in his three events.

The Guelph swimming team has an impressive rookie class as the Gryphons boast 22 rookies onto their team this year.

The results have been very positive throughout the school year and these first-years have been the ones to blame for the success of the Gryphon swimming team.

Guelph also received gold medals from their veteran swimmers.

Fifth year Matthew Stephenson won the 50-meter butterfly and the 200-meter individual medley.

Third-year David Nowicki, who had been previously absent from other meets due to illness, won his 50-meter breaststroke.

Third-year Derek Quick achieved first place in the 400meter freestyle by beating out the closest competition by eight seconds.

Burton has been satisfied with his team’s achievements this year and the progress they have made.

He believes as long as they continue to work on their mental toughness and their technique, the team could be headed for the provincial and national championships, both set in February.

Golden Hawks come to town on Feb.3.

Guelph hosts the York Lions (411-3) on Jan. 19 at the Gryphon

Centre; the puck drops at 7:30. for web-exclusive

photo

Reel

15 From the Bleachers: Men of character, man without 170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

sports & Health Chris Müller

Manning, having concluded the season that witnessed his return At the end of this week, I hope sports from a nearly career-ending neck fans will have learned something. injury, waited for Lewis to conclude We have been given two polariz- his press-related obligations before ing examples in the realm of public finding Lewis (presumably) outside perception, one from the NFL and the reach of camera lenses. one in which a world-renowned cyFortunately for the media, and the clist cemented his place as one of the adoring sports public it serves, we most disgraced public figures in re- have visual evidence of the meeting. cent memory.

While the content of what was said Starting with the good news, an during the brief meeting may never image was tweeted by Chad Steele, be known, the sheer fact that Manthe Baltimore Ravens’ Director of ning stuck around to congratulate Media Relations, about an hour after the soon-to-be retired Lewis sugthe conclusion of the double-over- gests a class of character that is not time thriller between the Ravens and often witnessed in the United States’ the Denver Broncos in the divisional most profitable entertainment sport. round of the playoffs on Jan. 12.

It was a brief glimpse into the huThe photo is nothing scandalous, manity of these extensively marketed, nothing incriminating, and nothing high-profile athletes, and it was a out of the ordinary. It’s a picture of welcome one for fans of football. two professional athletes talking to Flipping the coin, Lance Armeach other after a well-played game. strong has chosen this week as the The tweet identifies that the pic- one in which he will attempt to corture was taken an hour and a half rect his public image. This is of course, after the game’s conclusion. The as farcical as reconstructing a snowlocker rooms were empty, both ball that has been thrust deep into an teams had concluded their respec- inferno belonging to a man named tive press conferences, and just Dante. about everyone in the stadium was However, the most powerful at home reliving the great moments woman in America, Oprah Winfrey, of the game. Little did they know the must have presumably jumped at the greatest event of the evening was opportunity for airtime and publicity. happening at that very moment.

The two-episode special will be

broadcast on OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network) during primetime on the evenings of Jan. 17 and 18. It’s important to note that primetime commercials generate more revenue for television networks, so that’s why they’ll be playing the interviews at that time. Splitting the special into two parts allows for two one-hour blocks available to advertisers and thus a greater reach for the

promotion of whatever variety of product you’ll be told to purchase.

OWN is also considered by many television service providers to be a special-interest channel which suggests you’ll have to pay more if you want to get the channel, one that’s suffered fluctuating ratings and subscriptions since its inception.

All this considered, I still don’t blame Oprah for taking the opportunity. It has the potential to have your show/channel/image lambasted on every media outlet for the next week, and subscriptions to the OWN network should improve accordingly.

The real problem here is with the tour de false himself.

Oh Lance, please just take whatever cash you have left and retire somewhere warm, and leave us all alone.

Armstrong created the hugely successful cancer research charity named “Livestrong.” The charity received huge public support based on their popularizing of the yellow rubber wristbands, a marketing campaign that started the trend of wearing these rubber bracelets to show support of the charities you endorse. Take no issue with the foundation itself, as millions of dollars are pumped into cancer research as a direct result of the foundation’s efforts.

However, it might be useful to keep in mind that this charity, for all the good it has done, was constructed on a lie, and a big one at that. Think for a moment about the number of people Armstrong (and perhaps his close advisors) would have had to uphold that lie within the Livestrong foundation itself. All those honest people that have careers with Livestrong, their futures are now uncertain whereas many would have felt particularly comfortable mere weeks ago. Considering the people that were sued for accusing Armstrong of the truth, what becomes of the funds awarded to Armstrong and his organization?

This whole confession smells like a pile of dirty money, only seeking to pile more onto the steaming pile of you-know-what this once-revered athlete has accumulated to this point.

As fans, we have an obligation to demand the best from the athletes we pay to watch. It’s their pursuit and our fascination to see the absolute extremes of human achievement, unaided by unsanctioned chemicals and processes.

Armstrong made his grave, let him sleep in it. Don’t let him fool you into thinking this is about anything other than money — he’s got a track record of lying.

a double-edged sword.

“The problem is that alcohol numbs out a lot of things. It’s not only not helping to keep you warm, but you also might not notice how cold you are because you’ve had too much to drink,” said Bowman.

When mixing alcohol and the great outdoors this winter, it’s important to keep this illusion in mind.

Don’t be fooled by images of St. Bernard dogs bringing brandy to skiers or ice fishermen indulging in a hot toddy or two while sitting on the lake. Hypothermia is a real health

concern that is more easily attained than some people imagine.

“I would say function before fashion when it comes to dressing for a night out,” said Bowman. “It might be fun to have on more fancier shoes, but at the end of the night and after you’ve been drinking, I think the pros outweigh the cons in terms of health benefits.”

It would be naïve and altogether unrealistic to send a message that students should completely abstain from drinking alcohol. No matter what time of the year, parties will

continue and bars like Trappers will forever have hordes of people lining the sidewalk. Instead, Bowman suggests drinking in moderation and at a low-risk level.

“We work from a harm reduction model [and] our program is never to tell people not to drink. Our programming is about knowing the implications of alcohol use. I think students could benefit from understanding in general the implications of overconsumption and to do more reading themselves to understand what it means to have a lot to drink.”

Prevention, has indicated that mod- classified as obese and individuals the public, particularly when faced erately overweight individuals are six ranging from 25-30 kg/m2 were con- with an obesity epidemic. While the per cent less likely to die during a given sidered overweight. A BMI of less than study acknowledges benefits for the study period than their lean or obese 25kg/m2 was classified as lean. “overweight” BMI class, the distinccounterparts. The controversial conFlegal maintains that the study ven- tion between obese and overweight clusion was reached after Flegal and tured beyond the scope of ordinary conditions are not as apparent in soher team of researchers conducted dogma which views weight gain with ciety. Unhealthy individuals may take a major review of the existing sci- a negative connotation for health and comfort in the message and its ability entific literature surrounding body wellbeing. The study has hailed much to alleviate any responsibility they held mass and risk of mortality and dis- criticism from researchers and health to take action for their health. ease development. care professionals.

Donald Berry, a biostatistician from While a focused few are frightened the University of Texas MD AnderThe study reviewed data from 97 studies, primarily from North Amer- by the message it delivers, others call son Cancer Centre, called attention ica and Europe and pooled participants attention to the shortcomings of the to the limited methodology in BMI classifications. While BMI, a measinto three categories of body mass study’s scientific methods. index (BMI) according to the World Tam Fry of the British Nation- urement based solely on body weight Health Organization standards. Those al Obesity Forum claims that it is a and height ratios independent of body with a BMI exceeding 30 kg/m2 were “horrific message” to be sending to composition and metabolic measures

of health is known for misclassification of healthy individuals as obese and vice versa, he also acknowledged that no insight is given toward the quality of health of the individuals assessed.

“Some portion of those thin people are actually sick, and sick people tend to die sooner,” said Berry. In this way, the increased risk of mortality in this group would exist independent of weight.

In a culture quickly coerced to fear fat and equate weight with health, the study forces us to consider weight as little more than a crude indicator of more extensive health concerns, proving there is weight than meets the waistline.

Jonathan Daniel

Denver Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the subjects in this week’s From the Bleachers.

Illusions of comfort How alcohol can’t keep you warm Colleen McDonell You take a few sips of whiskey. Your arms feel a little tingly. After several more sips, you experience warmth flowing over your body. Four glasses later, you decide there’s no need to bring a coat to the bar.

Alcohol tricks the body into feeling warmer, when in reality it actually lowers your core

temperature. It causes warm blood vessels to dilate which means it makes blood move closer to the skin.

It’s that change which makes you feel warm temporarily, but that also causes you to lose your core body heat.

And heat is something your body cannot afford to lose, especially while waiting endlessly for a cab during a biting January night. Melanie Bowman, the manager of the Wellness Centre and Student Health Services, explains how the overconsumption of alcohol can act as

Overweight and underrated A new study is challenging how we look at weight Laura Castellani Spending more time on the couch is an unlikely resolution amongst the many individuals planning to spend the new year as the healthier, happier version of themselves, yet one that shouldn’t be quickly dismissed. According to a new study, the perks of being overweight have been overlooked.

In particular, the study conducted by researcher Katherine Flegal of the Centers for Disease Control and

16 w w w.t h e on ta r ion . c om This Week Brew Review: Bock to the Future in History Chris Müller

East German purge begins In the midst of the Cold War, authorities in East Germany began a purge of senior officials that posed a threat to the state through “plotting against [it] and spying for ‘imperialistic’ powers.” Officials affected by the purge included several Jewish politicians and the Christian Democratic Foreign Minister that, according to the article, “have either been removed or have disappeared in the past few days.” The article identifies a general anti-Jewish sentiment during similar occurrences that took place in 1952 when 14 senior communists were charged with espionage and treason during a trial in Prague. The revelations of the supposed crimes included a conspiracy to poison Joseph Stalin by a group of doctors. Unsurprisingly, Stalin “encouraged the purges in the eastern bloc countries.” (The BBC— Jan. 15, 1953) Green Bay Wins Football Title On this day 45 years ago, the world was introduced to the Super Bowl “in the first professional football game between the champions of the National and American Leagues” as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. In a stark contrast to today’s Super Bowl, the Memorial Coliseum where the game was played was only two-thirds filled with spectators with an additional 60 million people, compared to 111 million today, watching on television from home.

The tickets cost between $6 and $12 dollars, compared to up to $4,000 today, and the reporter commented that, “The great interest had led to naming the event the Super Bowl, but the contest was more ordinary than super.” The article also notes that the event cost $2,750,000 and was “the richest for any American team sports event.” That’s significantly less than even the amount of chicken wings consumed during the most recent Super Bowl: 1.25 billion, according to Time Magazine. (The New York Times—Jan. 15, 1967) Jeans business kicked in the pants, and other stories While the Monday edition of The Globe and Mail had some interesting stories, like “Select trust firms given three days’ notice of takeovers,” the real attention grabbers collected at the bottom and the sides of the front page, rather than the centre. The newspaper reported that over the weekend, a “family’s Doberman keeps sitter at bay under boy’s orders,” in Whitby, Ontario. The 7-year-old kept his babysitter under guard while he played in his room. The sitter finally telephoned her mother who called the police.

When they arrived, they “warned Derek to behave.” (The Globe and Mail—Jan. 17, 1983) Compiled by Alicja Grzadkowska

Perhaps the most interesting thing about beer is the unique history each style tells. Last week the Brew Review looked into the history of India Pale Ales, then offered up an excellent example for the reader to try at home. Next up is the lesser-known but highly rewarding “Bock” style of beer, originating from Germany.

“Whether by fact or by legend, the tradition of calling the beer bock is compounded by brewers almost always placing a goat on the label.”

Original bock first emerged in 14th-century Einbeck, a German brewing town. By the 17th century, techniques of lagering (an adaptation of the brewing process) infiltrated the largely traditional German breweries. The result was a very popular, caramel coloured beer that came to be associated with

festivals and religious celebrations.

The Bavarian accent of citizens in Munich that enjoyed the beer were told of its origin, Einbeck. The accent gave the town a pronunciation of “ein bock,” which literally translates into “a billy goat.” Whether by fact or by legend, the tradition of calling the beer bock is compounded by brewers almost always placing a goat on the label.

Creemore Springs Brewery’s “urBock” is no exception.

The goat prances within the label of this seasonal offering from the marvelous copper kettles of Creemore. The maroon trim that adorns the top and bottom edges of the can’s surface serves as a prelude to the opulent colouring and aroma of the beer once poured into a glass.

This bock comes in at 6 per cent alcohol, which might appear high for many lager drinkers, but at no point does the alcohol content overwhelm the flavour of the dark beer. The flavour is one of robust caramel, varied malt, and mild sweetness. The beer is subtly hopped, a reminder of the brewing tradition it came from in which hops were only available in limited quantities. The head should be poured about a finger high for a beer like this, though head retension (the amount of time it takes for the frothy head of a beer to subside) leaves a little to be desired, subsiding before the texture of the head might act as a compliment to the brew itself.

Overall, Creemore’s urBock serves as a more than suitable introduction to this beer style, and it’s widespread availability at LCBO and Beer Store locations make it an excellent beer to be enjoyed in the winter months.

life

vanessa tignanelli

Creemore Springs’ urBock provides a modern link to an ancient brewing tradition, goats included.

p e t of t h e w e e k

Green your routine Kiera Vandeborne

enjoy the winter scenery. If the winter weather is too much too As the new year kicks off, the handle, also check out the Unigym is bustling with people. versity’s self powered machines Perhaps you’ve made a New (such as the incline treadmills).

Year’s resolution to shed a few Dress the part. Nike, Puma and pounds, stay healthy, train for Adidas have committed to zero a big event, or are just getting discharge of hazardous chemiback into the swing of things. For cals by 2020 thanks to pressure those sweating off all the extra from Greenpeace. If you have old food consumed over the holiday work out clothes hanging around, season (don’t worry, I’m one consider donating them to a local of them), here are some simple thrift store for others to enjoy. tips to green your workout. Wash your towels less. Save water Use a reusable water bottle. This by reusing your towel a few times may seem pretty basic, but it’s before throwing it in the wash; worth mentioning. Using a stain- sweat towels do not need to be less steel or plastic reusable bottle washed after one use (especially can cut down on your plastic if you plan to shower afterwards). waste, save you money, and keep Kudos to all those pushing you hydrated as you exercise. their limits and reaching new Get some fresh air. Running, goals this 2013. Try incorpowalking or biking outside is a rating some (or all) of these great way to burn calories and eco-tips into your exercise rousave electricity needed for exer- tine to improve both your own cise machines. Nature trails health and the health of the or parks are also a nice way to environment.

Sarah Kavanagh

Bun Bun is a half Lionhead Holland Lop bunny that chews on everything in sight. His favourite food is Cheerios. He loves running up and down stairs (let’s face it, it’s a cheap, conveniently located Stairmaster). Check out the buns on Bun Bun! If you have a pet that you would like to submit as “Pet of the week”, send your photo to onphoto@uoguelph.ca

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

opinion

Our mental illness mentality Carleigh Cathcart I’m tired of being quiet. In fact, now I’m just mad. There is something people talk very much about but understand very little – a problem for which we always find something else to blame; an issue that has an effect one way or another on virtually all of us. And that issue is mental illness.

Mental illnesses are not self-inflicted. They are not “done” for attention. They aren’t choices, or lifestyles, or phases. The cliche statement used by those who are educated and/or familiar with these diseases laments the “stigma surrounding mental health,” but there is truth to most cliches, and this one is no exception.

Without getting into details, I feel it is time for me to share that I myself have dealt with, and still deal with, mental illness. However, I am not sharing this fact to make you feel sorry for me. I don’t want your pity.

In fact, my experience has shown me that most people unacquainted with depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, etc., channel their misunderstanding into often hurtful

and ignorant comments. These types of comments, and reactions (or unfortunate lack thereof) need to stop.

Indeed, they hurt not only those towards whom they are directed, but society as a whole.

Perhaps the saddest and most prominent issue of relevance on people’s minds right now is the tragic shooting massacre in Newtown, Conn., violently taking the innocent lives of precious children from their families, and mere days from Christmas. The issue I have with the media’s reaction (and let’s be realistic, they give to us what we want to buy; sensationalism sells – even at the expense of social progress) but scratches only the surface of a society’s crisis.

The perpetrator, and to be blunt I couldn’t care less what his name was, obviously had some form of illness. No human, with a heart, and soul, and right mind, could have robbed those schoolchildren of their joy and potential. Whatever problems the gunman had, they are no excuse for the horrendous crime committed. But the fact that there were warning signs that obviously went unaddressed is a sad example of our reluctance to

do anything in the face of evidence of potential harm. Whether this apathy is from fear, misinterpretation, or plain laziness (the “not my problem” mantra), it is unacceptable. You ask any parent of those children if they think something should have been done, and they will say yes. Likely, they will say it through tears.

Politicians are guilty, too. They love quick fixes; a favourite seems to be the “ban guns to save lives” sloganism. If not that, then the just-as-perverse “give people more guns” assertion.

And we fall for it – it makes us feel as if something is being done. But guns didn’t kill those children and adults.

A troubled man did. And to think we held the power to stop that tragedy from occurring is a tragedy in itself.

If a mental illness does not create heart wrenching headlines, it still has the ability to erode the quality or existence of life within the mind of the person. Certain suicides are played up in media reports due to their “interest” factor, but every day, hundreds – thousands even – of people deteriorate emotionally to the point of desperation. And the generally negative response by the “normal” people

17

courtesy

Unlike most images circulating in the media of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter Adam Lanza, this photo presents him as an average American boy. Yet it is speculated that Adam suffered from mental illness, and many others among us suffer from the same difficulty. serves only the purpose of shoving these folks further into the closet of despair.

So much struggle could be assisted; so much pain could be eased; so

many lives saved if we just reminded ourselves we are human. We cannot afford to turn the other way, when the result may be turning our heads down in a moment of silence.

Inordinate Ordnance Chris Carr Let’s address the elephant in the classroom. I’m talking about incessant questioners, the one-on-oners, the talkers, the bigmouths, the braggers and the “when I spent last semester in France”-ers. All are infractions of proper classroom etiquette, and this is a problem plaguing my classes (and I’m willing to bet yours as well).

You know who I mean. The guy who asks a question 15 seconds before the end of class. The gal who thinks class time is actually a private conversation between them and the professor. There is also the “one-timers,” as I call them. You know the type: they start every interruption of class by saying, “This one time…” followed by the regurgitation of a boring story about their mundane relative that did something and some time or another, adding nothing, only subtracting from time spent learning.

Let it be clear, I don’t blame these people. They are taking their education in their own hands and owning it. I wish I had even a tenth of the gumption to do the same. Classroom etiquette isn’t something taught, it is gleaned from years of class, spent observing your peers. My beef isn’t with the questioners, as such, but rather the time-wasters.

We spend a lot of money on our education – actually we spend too much on our education (but that is for another column). With this in mind, it is difficult to swallow

someone’s anecdote about some- they cannot be trusted with their thing vaguely near the subject being shifty eyes and two-week beards. discussed in class. Class should be Finally, a common criminal defacengaging, and in that room, it should ing the book of classroom etiquette is be a space free from judgement, the person who sits in the front few however it shouldn’t be a therapy rows of the room, on their laptops session (unless, it’s a psych class, I cruising Facebook, leaving comsuppose). ments about how wasted they got First infraction in the dossier: the night prior. These are the sneakicomments from the unknown voice est of the culprits because they don’t in the room. This specimen can be a overtly distract the entirety of the one-on-one-er, but occasionally, is class, but rather the 12 people besomeone who thinks they are “hi- hind them that can clearly see their larious.” This rare breed of student is private picture collection. This is the amateur comic who thinks the $6000 classroom equivalent to dancing in spent on tuition is the fee for open your underwear in front of a winmic night at the Apollo. dow. It is reverse voyeurism, and it Second to these folks are the causes distraction and inadvertent blowhards. Now blowhards – usu- first-year arousal. ally pen-chewers for some reason Some of you might be reading this – need for you, the professor and ev- and thinking, “I never see this in my eryone within the room to know how classes” and I hope you have found the feel about the subject in question the nexus of education sans distracwhile simultaneously adding nothing tion. For others, you are probably one to the discussion. They usually cite of these people. To you I say, chase someone they have only read. Just that rainbow unicorn of the kind of watch the professor cringe at hav- education you want, but don’t make ing to address them. me drink that Kool-Aid too. Just be Thirdly, and possibly the worst aware some people are there to learn, culprits are those of the Peanut Gal- without your personal philosophies, lery. You know those two guys in the relationship stories or “hilarious” Muppets that sit up on the balcony punch-lines. Save it for the seminars. and launch criticisms in the form of verbal bombardment at the try- Chris Carr is Editor-in-Chief of The ing, and worthy Muppets on stage? Cannon. “Inordinate Ordnance” pubConsider them, but in the back of lishes every Thursday in The Cannon the classroom, hidden behind a and in The Ontarion. The opinions laptop. These guys pipe up with a posted on thecannon.ca reflect those quick quip, every so often, just to of their author and do not necessarlet everyone know they are there ily reflect the opinions of the Central and possibly fact-checking the pro- Student Association and the Guelph ceedings. Watch for these specimens: Campus Co-op, or The Ontarion.

18 w w w.th e on ta r ion . c om The Ontarion Inc. Through the “looking glass” University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca Phone: 519-824-4120 General: x58265 Editorial: x58250 Advertising: x58267 Accounts: x53534 Editorial Staff: Editor-in-chief Tom Beedham Arts & Culture Editor Nicholas Revington Sports & Health Editor Christopher Müller News Editor Alicja Grzadkowska Associate Editor Colleen McDonell Copy Editor Stacey Aspinall Production Staff: Photo & graphics editor Vanessa Tignanelli Ad designer Sarah Kavanagh Layout Director Jessica Avolio Web Assistant Jordan Sloggett Office Staff: Business manager Lorrie Taylor Office manager Monique Vischschraper Ad manager Al Ladha Board of Directors President Bronek Szulc Treasurer Lisa Kellenberger Chairperson Curtis Van Laecke Secretary Alex Lefebvre Directors Aaron Francis Heather Luz Kevin Veilleux Lisa McLean Marshal McLernon Michael Bohdanowicz Shwetha Chandrashekhar Contributors Chris Carr Laura Castellani Carleigh Cathcart Kelsey Coughlin Mark Gottheil Leigh Lichtenberg Robyn Nicholson Adrien Potvin

Susannah Ripley Jeff Sehl Wendy Shepherd Kiera Vandeborne Shonda White Emma Wilson Olivia Zollino

The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since the Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Ontarion Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2011 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editorin-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify the Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement.

The Ontarion is printed by the Guelph Mercury.

It’s fairly safe to assume that those who work at a student newspaper are exposed to a little more news and information about current events than other members of the student body.

This assumption gained more validity in a recent conversation I had with a few friends regarding the Idle No More movement that is fundamentally challenging the existing state of affairs between the Canadian federal government and First-Nation groups both north and south of the fortyninth parallel. Seeing as how this movement possesses the potential to alter items of legislative significance, it seemed as reasonable a topic for discussion as any.

Whether it is the quality of my associates or some other factor, I was concerned with their response, the likes of which I have dramatized below.

“Have any of you looked into this Idle No More movement?” I asked.

“What’s that?” replied a friend.

“You haven’t heard about it yet? It’s all over the news, can’t open a newspaper without reading something about it,” I asked, alarmed by the lack of an immediate response.

“I don’t watch the news, doesn’t interest me,” said another.

“Haven’t opened a newspaper in years,” said the first friend.

Dejected, I drowned the sorrow only a recognized ignorance can imbue, and witnessed the last of my audience beginning to speak behind the frothy, transparent veil the pint glass had created between us.

“I know what you’re talking about,” my colleague said.

“That’s the thing where people are lobbying to stop people from leaving their cars idling too long, you know, save the environment and all that – that’s why the natives blocked off parts of the highway, because they thought too much road traffic was contributing to too much pollution from idling,” he explained, beaming at his superior intellect.

If this story was a Hemingway novella, I would have walked to the next café, ordered a grappa, and told my friends to “Go to Hell” from across the street. Unfortunately, that is not what happened.

Rather, the conversation stalled for a minute and then turned somewhere else, leading the discussion into a heated debate on the merits of slip-on versus laceup shoes, Velcro not receiving an invitation to the delegation. I left shortly after, bypassing the verbal jabs men often use to scrutinize each other’s genitalia and excusing myself for having had too much to drink.

I had not overindulged in drinking, but recognized that my

editorial

vanessa tignanelli

overindulgence in thinking had placed me in a tenuous position in the conversation – something that bothered me extensively.

In my third year of university, I had a marvelous English professor that taught a course on Shakespearean texts and the contexts of their publication. In the very first class of the semester, the professor told the large lecture hall why the government endorses a university education for citizens of the state. It creates critical thinkers, generating the skills that contribute towards being a good citizen and participating in the democratic process. The government values these skills because critical thinkers are critical voters, and in theory the critical voter should be able to sort through the garbage and select political figures that best represent the needs of their constituency. The implication of this lies in the recognition that an informed and educated population contributes to the improvement of society, a functioning economy, greater breadth of human rights, etc, etc, etc.

That has always stayed with me, and I hope it always will.

One of the most important cultural movements of human history was the Renaissance, a period of intense and resplendent artistic and intellectual development in Western Europe from the fourteenth to seventeenth century of the modern era.

Part of what allowed that intellectual revolution to happen was the creation and massive implementation of the printing press, developed by Johannes Gutenberg of Germany around 1440. Yes, the pamphlets, periodicals, books, translations, classical texts and religious documents (95 Theses, anyone?) were transported far and wide, fuelling the inexhaustible desire for information throughout

of the digital age is the accessible the known world.

What a time to be alive, when nature of information outside the all of our information is no longer glass, outside what we’re used to reliant on moving heavy leather- dealing with.

This is not an invitation to bound books across countries in order to gain information about “think outside the box,” a term the world! Rather, we’ve created that is successfully abused each cross-platform news agencies time it is uttered. A box would providing information through suggest an enclosure, a limit to newspapers, magazines, radio, visibility of the outside world. The television, the Internet, tablets, pint glass is clear and open; we and smart phones. Suffice to say choose to fill it with the informathat if you wanted to learn about tion/liquid we choose, while the something, you’d probably know outside world always remains visible through this “looking glass” where to look.

I appreciate those that have of university life.

My issue is not what we choose gotten this far into the editorial are probably not the intended to put into the pint glass, or how audience of this piece. I’m sure often we choose to do it. I’m the audience that ought to be only asking that we consider life reading this hasn’t even picked up outside the university, of the economic and political institutions the paper yet, if they will at all.

This is not intended to be that will control many facets of an indictment on the student your public life upon graduation body’s intelligence, but rather an (my apologies to the disapproving observation on the unique char- anarchists).

Much like one who’s had too acteristic of university life that became abundantly clear during much to drink, the world outside my Idle No More discussion with of university life is spinning constantly, rapidly disorienting and several drinking buddies.

We live inside the prover- reorienting itself in relation to bial empty pint glass, staring at the viewer. If we choose to fill our the frothy veil of university life glasses with the same information/ that shields us from the outside liquid all the time, then the world, world, distorting our perception. and our subsequent understanding In truth there is no harm to this of it, will continue to spin in such a position, not immediately any- way that we may never truly grasp ways. The university student can it, a danger many binge-drinkers survive (and quite enjoyably, I could relate to. But if we look outwould argue) without ever look- side the pint glass once in a while, ing beyond the empty pint glass. look at the world around us and To look at an empty one, to desire gather as much information as we information, is an exercise in anx- can about it, then the world levels iety — do we dare look beyond it off for a moment.

For successful university stuor should we choose to fill it with enjoyable but inevitably useless dents, graduation is inevitable.

When that degree gets framed and liquid/information?

I’m certainly not against filling put up on a wall somewhere, the the pint glass occasionally with pint glass that produced it will one, two, three, or 10 volumes of irreparably shatter. I for one wish information that serves to provide to encounter a world that I can enjoyment (provided it is enjoyed come to terms with, not one spinresponsibly), but the great beauty ning out of control.

170.2 ◆ january 17t h, 2013

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18- General Powell 19- Tsp. and tbsp.

20- Red powdery condiment 22- Uproar 24- Tennis champ Chris 26- Spanish fleet 27- The other inheritor 30- Wash lightly 32- Got up 33- Actress Rogers 34- Former Virginia senator Charles 38- Apiece

Down 1- Coil 2- Mogul capital until 1658 3- Faucet problem 4- Grades 5- Computer enthusiast 6- Bellowing 7- ___ canto 8- What’s ___ for me?

9- Republic in E Africa 10- Prison 11- Punctuation mark 12- Chipped in 13- Beethoven’s “___ Solemnis” 21- Like Wrigley Field’s walls 23- Apr. addressee

25- Part of a gun 27- Hats 28- Black-and-white treat 29- Israeli dance 31- Nagy of Hungary 33- Polite address 35- Baltic feeder 36- Bric-a-___ 37- Nota ___ 40- Litigable 41- Damp 44- Having patches of two colors 47- Lee side 49- Mai ___ 50- Festival 51- Zingers 52- Staggering 53- Put off, as an agenda item 55- President Garfield’s middle name 57- Exigency 59- Zeno’s home 60- Catchall abbr.

61- Egypt’s river 64- Munched on

19

Last Week's Solution

Congratulations to this week's crossword winners: Catherine Doris & Sabrina Douglas.

Stop by the Ontarion office to pick up your prize!

SUBMIT your completed crossword by no later than Monday, October 31st at 4pm for a chance to win TWO FREE BOB’S DOG’S!

community listings Thursday January 17 CSA Club Days runs from 8:30am -5pm on Thurs, Jan 17 & Fri, Jan 18.

Visit the University Centre to check out the almost 100 CSA clubs and student organizations you can join.

For more information about clubs, please visit: http://www.csaonline. ca/clubs/ Saturday January 19 Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo-Wellington winter concert ‘Bright Side – Songs of Warmth in a Cold Season’.

8 pm at Harcourt United Church. Advance tickets $15 can be purchased at Guelph Artisans’ Market in Old Quebec St Mall, from choir members, or PayPal at www.rainbowchorus.ca.

Guelph Poetry Slam - Grandslam Finals! Top 10 poets of the season compete for their slot on this year’s national team. Doors 6pm, show start 7pm. No Open Mic this month. The eBar (41 Quebec St.). 7pm. $20/ door, $15/advance at The bookshelf & Out On The Shelf.

HELP: Join Student Volunteer Connections from 8-4:30pm to spend a few hours with Habitat for Humanity (house build). All skill levels are encouraged to join; there will be on site training and instruction. Transportation organized to/from, free lunch.

Dress for the weather! Information: projects@dosomuch.ca Guelph Hiking Trail Club: Halton Agreement Forest. 2-3 hour hike.

Level 2; Speed Moderate. Meet at TD in Clair Rd plaza at 12:30 to car pool.

Bring water and snacks. Optional pub stop afterwards. All welcome. Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary 519 827-1814 Monday January 21 Career Aviators Business Career Club: Students and professionals welcome.

Mondays 7pm -9pm, Innovation Guelph (111 Farquhar Street). Strategic advice and support; guest presentations; motivation to stay on track; worldwide Information exchange.

PWYC. Info:1 866 873 7633 www.careeraviators.com

classifieds Services NEED ESSAY HELP! All subjects, research, writing and editing specialists, toll free 1 888 345 8295 customessay@ bellnet.ca. Join our advertising team and make great commissions by placing posters around campus. Details: 416-280-6113.